St. Louis County celebrates completion of Virginia Courthouse addition

A $6 million project to remodel and add on to the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia is nearing completion. Nearly one year after the groundbreaking, the new 17,000 square foot addition connecting the courthouse to the Annex Building is finished, and final remodeling work is expected to be complete before the end of the year.

To celebrate, the County has invited a fourth grade class of students from Roosevelt Elementary School to plant a tree outside the new addition on Wednesday, October 17 at 10 a.m. Speaking at the event will be Sixth District Commissioner Keith Nelson, Judge James Florey and Virginia Vice Mayor Larry Cuffe. Immediately following the tree planting, visitors are invited inside for a tour of the new addition that houses the Sheriff’s Office and the Arrowhead Regional Corrections Probation Office.

The project completes the long-term master plan for the Virginia Courthouse and brings the 102-year-old facility up to date for safety, building code, and energy efficiency standards. Additionally, it provides more space for the County Attorney, Sheriff and probation offices, and creates easier public access for customers.

Numerous energy savings design considerations are incorporated in the project, including high efficiency lighting, natural day lighting, premium efficiency equipment and motors, a white roof, high efficiency windows, super insulated walls in the new addition, a solar wall and an array of other energy conscious amenities.

Security improvements include an enclosed corridor for prisoner transport to courtrooms, a secure entrance/waiting area for the County Attorney’s Office, secure areas for Sheriff’s Office staff and Probation Offices, with easy access public service counters for both. A new Sally Port, evidence storage, forensic investigation space (including forensic garage stall), a new jury selection room and a new video camera surveillance system are also part of the remodeling.

The project was funded through a 2010 bond sale, and constructed by Max Gray Construction of Hibbing. The Virginia Courthouse is located at 300 South Fifth Avenue in Virginia, Minnesota.
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